Iconic South Beach Eatery To Close Its Doors
MIAMI BEACH (CBSMiami) -- Some words to describe Van Dyke's are iconic and legendary. Now, word of the closing is leaving customers with a bad taste in their mouths.
Jennifer Lascow said, "That's one of my favorite places. They have the most amazing grilled calamari. The upstairs always has a great band that's why I brought my holiday party from work actually."
It's been nearly two decades since Van Dyke Cafe first opened and took over 846 Lincoln Road.
Laura Morilla said, "I was here when they opened the first night in the mid 90's maybe '96 '97 and it was a fabulous place. We came for the opening night party and I've been coming ever since."
Since 1994, the popular restaurant has served up countless memories. From birthdays to anniversaries and even first dates.
Lascow said, "We came once on our first date. It was a swing band. It was gonna be different than the Miami vibes really good drinks so that's why we love it."
The owner of this historic building may force the restaurant to serve its last supper. In January, a public hearing will be held to determine the future use of this high-priced real estate. It could possibly end up being used for retail space or athletics.
Carlo Cappellini said, "It's sad. I remember when this was nothing and I've been in Miami since the 80's so i remember when this they were building up and everything.""
Van Dyke Cafe is the latest business to check out of Lincoln Road as rent continues to soar.
There is no official word as to whether rent is doing in Van Dyke but it's obvious to businesses and people here that there's a larger service of retail stores than restaurants on Lincoln Road.
Morilla said, "It just seems that sometimes we go so far that were gonna kill the goose that laid the golden egg so to speak. We're gonna drive away what made Lincoln Road so charming in the first place.If you get too greedy it just kind of grows out of control. "
